JP2007199417A - Karaoke device and karaoke system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a karaoke device in which time and effort is saved in repetitive performance of playing a music. <P>SOLUTION: The karaoke device comprises: a position indicating means 152 for indicating a position in the middle of a object music, according to input operation by an input device such as a remote control device 64; a registering means 150 for relating the indicated position which is indicated by the position indicating means 152, to information of the object music and registering it on a memory device 144 of a server 20; a reading means 156 for reading information and the indicated position of the object music which is registered by the registering means 150; and a play control means 158 for outputting the play music by setting the indicated position registered by relating to the information of the play music, to a play start position. Thereby, when a desired part is repetitively sung, a burden of heading each time is removed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a karaoke device used in a karaoke box or the like and a karaoke system using the karaoke device, and more particularly to an improvement in a performance song registration function for registering a performance song that a user repeatedly sings.

  2. Description of the Related Art Music playback apparatuses that output a predetermined performance song selected from a large number of performance songs are known. For example, a karaoke device used in a karaoke box or the like. According to such a karaoke apparatus, music information of a predetermined karaoke performance song selected from a large number of karaoke performance songs stored in advance in a storage device is output, and an image including lyrics information of the karaoke performance song is output. Karaoke performance of a desired song can be enjoyed by displaying it on the screen in synchronization with.

  In recent years, as such a karaoke apparatus, not only a karaoke performance function for outputting karaoke performance music but also various functions have been proposed for the purpose of improving convenience in the karaoke performance. For example, the performance music registration function in the karaoke apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is that. This performance song registration function is a so-called eighteenth function for registering a performance song that the user sings repeatedly so that the song can be directly selected (a song selection that does not require the selection of a song selection number). However, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting the song selection number for each karaoke performance of the performance song that is sung many times.

JP-A-9-114475

  By the way, the performance song registration function described above is intended for repetitive practice, in addition to registering a performance song that the user is good at or a favorite performance song, in addition to registering a performance song that the user wants to improve repeatedly. It is thought that there are many usage modes. In the practice of singing such a performance song, there are cases where it is desired to intensively practice a portion of the performance song that is difficult to sing, such as a foreign language lyrics portion in a Japanese song or a rap portion in a non-rap song. However, when it is desired to repeatedly practice only a predetermined part of the performance music in this way, the conventional technique as described above is cumbersome because it is necessary to find the corresponding part one by one using a fast-forward function or the like.

  The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke apparatus and a karaoke system that can save time and effort in repetitive performance of a performance piece.

  In order to achieve such an object, the gist of the first invention is a karaoke apparatus for outputting a predetermined performance song selected from a large number of performance songs, and an input operation by a predetermined input device. In response, the position designation means for designating a position in the middle of the target performance song, and the designation position designated by the position designation means is registered in a predetermined storage device in association with the information on the target performance song. A registering means; a reading means for reading out information and a designated position of the target performance music registered by the registration means; and a performance music upon output of the target performance music read by the reading means. And a performance control means for outputting the performance music with the designated position registered in association with the music information as the performance start position.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gist of the second invention is that the karaoke apparatus according to the first invention and the storage device are provided between the karaoke apparatus via a predetermined communication line. A karaoke system comprising a server capable of communicating information.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the position designating means for designating a position in the middle of the performance music to be processed in response to an input operation by a predetermined input device, and the designated position designated by the position designating means as the target. A registration means for registering in a predetermined storage device in association with the information of the performance music, a readout means for reading out the information and designated position of the target performance music registered by the registration means, and the readout means; Since there is a performance control means for outputting the performance tune with the designated position registered in association with the information of the performance tune as the performance start position when outputting the performance tune to be read out, It is possible to register by specifying the performance start position in the performance song that the person sings repeatedly, and the troublesome of finding the beginning each time when repeatedly singing only the desired part It is eliminated. That is, it is possible to provide a karaoke apparatus that can save time and effort in repetitive performance of a musical composition.

  Here, in the first invention, preferably, the position designating means designates a position in the middle of the target performance piece as a performance start position or a performance end position in response to an input operation by a predetermined input device. The performance control means outputs the performance from the performance start position to the performance end position registered in association with the information of the performance music when the performance music read by the readout means is output. The output of the song. If it does in this way, in the performance music which a user sings repeatedly, the registration which designates the performance start position and performance end position is enabled, and the trouble in the case of singing only a desired part can be saved further. There is an advantage.

  Preferably, the registration means registers the performance piece information and the designated position in the storage device in association with user information of the user. In this way, there is an advantage that registration by designating the performance start position can be performed for each user in a performance song that is repeatedly sung.

  Preferably, the position designation means designates a position in the middle of the target musical piece in accordance with an input operation by a predetermined input device performed when the target musical piece is output. . In this way, there is an advantage that the position in the middle of the target musical piece can be designated in a practical manner.

  Preferably, the display device includes display control means for displaying a list of lyrics character images of the performance music to be processed on the video display device, and the position specifying means is the performance music to be displayed by the display control means. In response to an input operation by a predetermined input device performed based on the list display of the lyric character video, a position in the middle of the performance music to be targeted is designated. In this way, there is an advantage that the position in the middle of the target musical piece can be designated in a practical manner.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the karaoke apparatus of the first aspect of the invention and a server that includes the storage device and can communicate information with the karaoke apparatus via a predetermined communication line are provided. Therefore, it is possible to register by specifying the performance start position in the performance song that the user sings repeatedly, and the trouble of cuing each time when singing only the desired part is eliminated. The That is, it is possible to provide a karaoke system that can save time and effort in repetitive performance of a performance song.

  Furthermore, preferably, the karaoke system is a so-called client-server model, so that the registration information, that is, the position designation information can be read out even by another client without depending on the registered client. It is said.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a karaoke system 10 according to an embodiment of the second invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the karaoke system 10, a plurality of private rooms 14 a, 14 b, 14 c,... In a store 12 such as a karaoke box, a snack, an inn, etc. Karaoke apparatuses 16a, 16b, 16c, which are one embodiment of the first invention of the present invention, each of which is one or more (one in FIG. 1). Simply referred to as karaoke device 16). Among these karaoke devices 16, a predetermined karaoke device 16a, which is a master commander, is connected to a server (center device) 20 of a karaoke service providing company via a communication line 18 such as a public telephone line. Communication of information between 20 and the karaoke apparatus 16a is possible. This server 20 is a server that performs basic control of storage and input / output management of digital contents (Digital Contents) such as karaoke information, background video information, and inter-song information, and is a master commander via the communication line 18. Content is regularly distributed to a certain karaoke device 16a, and predetermined content, a function control program, and the like are transmitted in response to a request from the karaoke device 16a. Further, various controls relating to the eighteenth information described later, such as storage and management of the eighteenth information transmitted from the karaoke device 16 and distribution in response to a request from the karaoke device 16 are performed. The karaoke system 10 includes a plurality of electronic quick sample devices 22a, 22b, 22c,... (Hereinafter simply referred to as the electronic quick sample device 22 unless otherwise distinguished). In use, one electronic quick sample device 22 is lent for each user (group) and used as a remote control device for the karaoke device 16 in each private room 14 as will be described later. In addition, a LAN 24 for connecting the plurality of karaoke devices 16 to each other is laid in the store 12, and an input to the karaoke device 16 from the electronic quick sample device 22 is performed through a predetermined access point 26 and the LAN 24. This is performed by LAN communication through the network.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the karaoke apparatus 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the karaoke device 16 includes a video display device 30 such as a CRT (Cathode-ray Tube), a video information decoder 32, a video mixer 34, an amplifier mixer 36, a speaker 38, and a microphone 40. An operation panel 42, a CPU 44 as a central processing unit, a ROM 46 as a read-only memory, a RAM 48 as a write / read memory as needed, a hard disk 50 as a storage device, a modem 52, a LAN port 54, The CRT controller 56, the input / output interface 58 for processing input / output signals such as the operation panel 42, the synthesizer 60 which is a sound source, the electronic quick reference device 22, the mobile phone 82, the input device such as the remote control device 64, etc. A remote control receiving unit 62 for receiving a remote control signal from the (remote input terminal device); It is prepared for.

  The CPU 44 is a so-called computer that processes and controls electronic information based on a predetermined program stored in advance in the ROM 46 while utilizing the temporary storage function of the RAM 48, and includes the electronic sample device 22, the mobile phone 82, and the like. When a predetermined karaoke performance music is selected by the above, the selected karaoke performance music is registered in the reserved music table provided in the RAM 48 or selected from the hard disk 50 to the RAM 48 according to the performance order of the reserved music table. The performance information and lyric information of the karaoke performance music read out, the performance information is transmitted from the RAM 48 to the synthesizer 60 as the performance of the karaoke performance music progresses, and the lyric character image based on the lyric information Is generated and sent to the CRT controller 56. A video is generated and sent to the CRT controller 56, a predetermined background video is reproduced by controlling the video information decoder 32, and new music information, music selection ranking, Basic information such as output of information such as store advertisements, information communication with the server 20 via the communication line 18, and information communication control with the electronic sample device 22 via the LAN 24, etc. In addition to performing various controls, performance music (eighteenth) registration control and eighteenth performance control, which will be described later, are performed.

  The operation panel 42 selects a karaoke performance song that the user of the karaoke device 16 wants to sing, adjusts the pitch of the performance song, adjusts the volume balance between the performance and the song, and performs echo and volume. , An input device provided with operation buttons (switches) or knobs for performing various adjustments such as tone. Further, the karaoke device 16 is provided with a remote control device 64 (see FIG. 3) that functions as an input device (remote input terminal device) for remotely executing a part of the function of the operation panel 42. The remote control receiving unit 62 receives a remote control signal transmitted from the remote control device 64 and supplies it to the CPU 44. In addition, the association (sticking) processing between the karaoke device 16 and the electronic quick sample device 22 is also performed via the remote control receiving unit 62, and thus the electronic quick sample device associated with the karaoke device 16. 22 also functions as an input device. A mobile phone 82 (see FIG. 4) having a remote control transmission function is also used as an input device in the same manner as the electronic quick sample device 22 and the remote control device 64.

  The video information decoder 32 is a background video playback device that plays back (decodes) a predetermined background video based on background video information stored in the hard disk 50 when a user sings a song while referring to lyrics. The background video information is, for example, MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format data, and the background video reproduced by the video information decoder 32 based on the MPEG data is sent to the video mixer 34. The CRT controller 56 is a character video output device that outputs a character video (telop) such as a lyric character video generated by the CPU 44, and the video mixer 34 is generated by the CPU 44 and the CRT controller 56. Is a video synthesizing device that synthesizes a character video output from the video information decoder 32 and a background video reproduced by the video information decoder 32 and displays them on the video display device 30. Further, the CRT controller 56 functions as a video display control device that causes the video display device 30 to display screens as shown in FIGS.

  The synthesizer 60 is a sound source that generates a music signal such as a musical instrument performance signal based on performance information of a karaoke performance song read from the hard disk 50 and sent. The performance information is, for example, data in MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) format, and the music signal generated by the synthesizer 60 based on the MIDI data is converted into an analog signal and sent to the amplifier mixer 36. In the amplifier mixer 36, the music signal transmitted and the user's singing voice input via the microphone 40 are mixed, and these signals are electrically amplified and output from the speaker 38.

  The modem 52 is a device for connecting the karaoke device 16 to a communication line 18 such as a public telephone line, converts a digital signal output from the CPU 44 into an analog signal and sends it to the communication line 18. An analog signal transmitted via the communication line 18 is converted into a digital signal and supplied to the CPU 44. The modem 52 is required for the karaoke device 16a functioning as a master commander, but is not necessarily provided for other karaoke devices 16 that do not communicate information with the server 20. That is, the karaoke devices 16b, 16c, 16d,... That are not the master commander exchange information with the server 20 or the like via the karaoke device 16a that is the master commander.

  The LAN port 54 is a connector for connecting the karaoke device 16 to other devices such as the other karaoke device 16 and the electronic quick sample device 22 via the LAN 24, and the karaoke device 16 is thus By being connected via the LAN 24, information can be transmitted / received to / from other devices such as the other karaoke apparatus 16 and the electronic quick sample apparatus 22. For example, the music selection input from the electronic quick sample device 22 received by the access point 26 is accepted, or predetermined information is transmitted from the karaoke device 16 to the electronic quick sample device 22. Mutual information exchange is performed between the karaoke device 16 and the electronic sample device 22.

  The hard disk 50 is provided with various databases such as a karaoke database 51 for storing a large number of karaoke information for outputting karaoke performance songs. Among the plurality of karaoke devices 16 provided in stores such as karaoke boxes, the karaoke device 16a that functions as a master commander is connected to the communication line 18 via the modem 52, and the plurality of karaoke devices 16 New karaoke information is distributed from the server 20 via the communication line 18 and stored in the karaoke database 51 of the hard disk 50 or the like so that new songs can always be played. In addition, communication is performed via the LAN 24 between the karaoke device 16a that has acquired the information from the server 20 and the other karaoke devices 16, and is stored in the hard disk 50 of each karaoke device 16. Information is shared and the contents of the karaoke database 51 and the like are equivalent. The karaoke information stored in the karaoke database 51 is information including header information including song name, singer name, genre information, etc., MIDI data as performance information, lyric information of performance songs, etc. The song selection number as an index is defined. Preferably, it also includes division information that defines the division of performance (A melody, B melody, chorus, etc.) in the musical composition.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of the remote control device 64. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit of the remote controller 64 includes, for example, ten number buttons 66 indicating numbers from 0 to 9, a music selection / transmission button (hereinafter simply referred to as a music selection button) 68, left and right An up / down arrow button 70, a cancel button 72, a performance stop button 74, an interrupt button 76, and a clap / SE button (hereinafter simply referred to as an SE button) 78 that is input to output an effect are provided. . In addition, a display unit 80 is provided for operation assistance and confirmation. The number button 66 is a button (switch) for inputting a music selection number, specifying an effect number, which will be described later, and the like. When the number button 66 is pressed, a number or the like is displayed on the display unit 80. Further, when the cancel button 72 is pressed, the numbers and the like displayed on the display unit 80 are erased. In the music selection operation, when the music selection button 68 is pressed while a predetermined number is displayed on the display unit 80, the music selection number is transmitted and registered in the karaoke apparatus 16. In the effect output operation, when the SE button 78 is pressed in a state where a predetermined number is displayed on the display unit 80, the number is transmitted, and the karaoke device 16 generates a predetermined effect sound and effect video. Is output. The left / right / up / down arrow buttons 70 are buttons for moving a cursor or the like displayed in the same way when the option is displayed on the video display device 30, and the cursor is operated according to the operation of the arrow button 70. A movement signal is output, and the selected item is confirmed by pressing the music selection button 68. Further, when the left and right arrow buttons 70 are operated during the karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16, a pitch change signal for changing the pitch of the performance sound is output. The performance stop button 74 is a button for stopping the karaoke performance halfway. When the performance stop button 74 is pressed during the performance by the karaoke device 16, the karaoke performance being performed at that time is stopped. The The interrupt button 76 is a button for performing an interrupting music selection operation for interrupting a desired music piece in the order of performance (reserved music table) stored in the RAM 48 of the karaoke apparatus 16. When pressed, a desired performance song can be reserved to be played next to the song being played at that time.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of the mobile phone 82. The cellular phone 82 is provided with a remote control transmission function for transmitting a remote control signal to the karaoke apparatus 16 in addition to a function as a telephone connected to a public telephone line and making a call via the public telephone line. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of (12 in FIG. 4) character input buttons 84, start buttons 86, and power buttons 88 are provided on a pair of faces facing each other by being folded in the cellular phone 82. A left / right / up / down movement button 90, a mail button 92, a clear button 94, a determination button 96, and a display unit 98 functioning as an image display device are provided. The character input button 84 is a button (switch) for inputting a desired character. When the character input button 84 is pressed and a predetermined character conversion operation is performed as necessary, a desired character conversion button 84 is selected. Is displayed on the display unit 98. The start button 86 is a button for making a call or sending an e-mail. When the predetermined button is displayed on the display unit 98, the start button 86 is pressed so that the call is made. You can call the number. In addition, when a predetermined mail address is displayed on the display unit 98, when the start button 86 is pressed, mail is transmitted to the mail address. The power button 88 is a button for canceling the call or turning on the power. When the power button 88 is pressed during the call, the call is stopped. Further, when the power is off, the power button 88 is pressed for a certain time, so that the power is turned on. On the other hand, when the power is on, the power button 88 is pressed for a certain time, Is turned off. The movement button 90 is a button that is pressed to move the cursor displayed on the display unit 98 left and right and up and down. The mail button 92 is a button that is pressed to enter the mail management mode. The clear button 94 is a button that is pressed to erase characters displayed on the display unit 98. The determination button 96 is a button that is pressed to determine various setting items based on the contents displayed on the display unit 98, to determine character conversion, or the like. When the mobile phone 82 is used as an input device of the karaoke device 16, the plurality of types of input buttons provided on the mobile phone 82 are replaced with the plurality of types of input buttons provided on the remote control device 64. It is made to correspond. For example, the character input button 84 is a numeric button 66, the enter button 96 is a music selection button 68, the move button 90 is an arrow button 70, the clear button 94 is a cancel button 72, and the power button 88 is a stop button 74. The button 86 is associated with the interrupt button 76, and the mail button 92 is associated with the SE button 78. Thereby, the mobile phone 82 functions as an input device of the karaoke device 16 like the remote control device 64.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of the electronic quick sample device 22. As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic quick sample device 22 is provided with a touch panel display 102 for displaying a predetermined image (video) and inputting in response to a user's contact. Further, it is a stand-type connection stand (docking table) that performs operations such as transmission / reception and synchronization of data with the karaoke device 16 and charging of a battery built in the electronic quick sample device 22. A cradle 100 is provided. The electronic quick sample device 22 is used in a state attached to the cradle 100 or removed from the cradle 100, and in the attached state, the electronic quick sample device 22 is wired to the karaoke device 16 via the cradle 100 and the LAN 24. Connected. Further, when the cradle 100 is detached, it is wirelessly connected to the karaoke apparatus 16 via the access point 26 and the LAN 24.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the electronic quick sample device 22. As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic quick sample device 22 includes a display device 104 that displays a predetermined image on the touch panel display 102, a display control unit 106 that controls display by the display device 104, and a user's A touch panel 108 that performs input by touching the touch panel display 102 with a finger or an attached pen (not shown), an input control unit 110 that controls input by the touch panel 108, a CPU 112 that is a central processing unit, and a read-only memory A ROM 114, a RAM 116 that is a read / write memory as needed, a storage unit 118 such as a flash ROM, an interface 120, a remote control transmission unit 122, a wireless LAN communication unit 124, and a connector 126a are provided. Yes. The cradle 100 is provided with a connector 126b for enabling electrical connection with the electronic quick sample device 22, and the electronic quick sample device 22 is placed on the cradle 100 and is connected to the connector 126a. And 126b are brought into contact with each other, the cradle 100 or the LAN 24 is connected via the interface 120. In addition, the storage unit 118 stores music selection information such as a song name, artist name (singer name), and lyrics singing portion corresponding to each of a lot of karaoke information stored in the karaoke database 51 of the karaoke apparatus 16. There is a performance music database stored for each music selection number.

  The CPU 112 is a so-called computer that processes and controls electronic information based on a predetermined program stored in advance in the ROM 114 using the temporary storage function of the RAM 116, reads out music selection guidance information from the storage unit 118, When a predetermined guide video based on the music selection guide information is displayed on the touch panel display 102 via the display device 106, or when an input is made by the touch panel 108 according to the guide video displayed on the touch panel display 102, karaoke It performs basic control such as transmitting a music selection signal (music selection reservation signal) for reserving a performance song to the karaoke device 16 via the wireless LAN communication unit 124 or the like. Similar to the telephone 82, the input device of the karaoke device 16 To function as.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 7, the server 20 includes a so-called microcomputer system that performs signal processing in accordance with a program stored in advance in a ROM 130 by using a temporary storage function of a RAM 132 by a CPU 128 that is a central processing unit. . Also, a video display device 134 such as a CRT, a CRT controller 136 for controlling display of video by the video display device 134, a keyboard 138 as an input device, and an interface 140 for processing input by the keyboard 138. And a modem 142 for connecting the CPU 128 and the like to the communication line 18 and a storage device 144 such as a hard disk.

  In the storage device 144, a performance music database 146 that stores karaoke information of the performance music as information on a large number of performance music, and eighteenth information described later for each user (customer) registered in advance is stored for each customer. A database 148 is provided. In the performance music database 146, for example, karaoke information including header information including a song name and an artist name (singer name), MIDI data as performance information, and lyrics information, etc. is stored for each performance song with the music selection number as an index. It is remembered. This lyric information includes text information corresponding to the lyric of the performance song, lyric output timing information, color change timing information, and the like. Preferably, the lyric information is separated as electronic information independent of the karaoke information (each It can be downloaded for each performance song). The MIDI data can also be downloaded separately as electronic information independent of the karaoke information. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the customer database 148 stores customer names, eighteenth information, and the like for each customer using the customer number (identification ID) as an index. The eighteenth information is information on a musical composition registered by the musical composition registration function (eighteenth function), which will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 9. For example, the music selection number of the musical composition, performance start position designation information, and It includes performance end position designation information and the like. The performance start position designation information and the performance end position designation information indicate the performance start position and performance end position in the middle of the performance music set by the customer during or after the performance music registration. It is not necessary to be performed, and only one of them may be set. The customer identification number stored in the customer database 148 may be associated with the telephone number or identification number of the mobile phone 82 owned by the customer. It may be stored together in another database 148.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining a main part of the control function provided in the CPU 44 of the karaoke apparatus 16. The registration means 150 shown in FIG. 9 stores information on a predetermined performance piece as eighteenth information in accordance with an input operation by an input device such as the electronic sample device 22, remote control device 64, mobile phone 82, etc. The data is registered in the customer database 148 provided in the device 144. When registering the eighteenth information, the customer number of the user who performs the registration is inquired in advance, and the performance information related to the registration is stored in the storage space corresponding to the customer (customer number). The song selection number of the song is registered (stored). Also, at the same time as this registration or after that, the setting information of performance conditions such as arrangement state, pitch, tempo, etc. for performing the performance music related to the registration is registered in association with the information of the target performance music. You may make it obtain. The eighteenth information stored in the storage device 144 of the server 20 in this way is directly input by an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22, the remote control device 64, and the cellular phone 82, as will be described later with reference to FIG. Used for music selection (music selection that does not require input of a music selection number).

  The position designating unit 152 designates a position (position marker) in the middle of the target musical piece in accordance with an input operation by an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22, the remote control device 64, and the cellular phone 82. Preferably, a position in the middle of the target performance piece is designated as a performance start position or a performance end position in response to an input operation by such an input device. This designation is performed based on time information (performance time axis information) in the target musical piece. For example, when the target musical piece is based on MIDI data, a step value is designated. Done in The designation by the position designation unit 152 is preferably performed simultaneously with the registration of the performance music by the registration unit 150, but such a position designation is additionally performed for the performance music already registered. As a part of the eighteenth information, the position designation information designated by the position designation means 152 is associated with the information on the target musical piece and stored in the customer database 148 provided in the storage device 144 of the server 20. Or register independently. As a mode of position designation by the position designation means 152, (1) designation at the time of output of the target performance music, (2) designation based on a list display of lyrics character video of the target performance music, etc. can be considered. Hereinafter, these will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

  FIG. 10 exemplifies a screen displayed on the video display device 30 regarding the position designation by the position designation means 152, and describes the designation when outputting the target performance piece. In the designation at the time of output of the target performance tune, that is, during the performance, the electronic quick sample device 22 and the remote control device 64 while the target performance tune is output (played) by the karaoke device 16. A predetermined input operation (for example, an operation such as pressing any one of the plurality of buttons provided in the remote control device 64) is performed by an input device such as the mobile phone 82, and the operation is performed. The time information (step value) at the time point is acquired as the position designation information. Further, when the performance start position and performance end position are specified as described above, they are sequentially specified by the same operation (or different operations).

  FIG. 11 exemplifies a screen displayed on the video display device 30 regarding the position designation by the position designation unit 152, and illustrates designation based on a list display of lyrics character videos of the performance music to be processed. . The designation based on the list display of the lyric character video of the target performance music is preferably executed when the target performance music is not being output. The display control means 154 displays a list of lyric character videos of the target musical piece as shown in FIG. 11 on the video display device 30 via the CRT controller 56 and the video mixer 34. The designation of the position in the middle of the performance music to be performed is executed by performing a predetermined input operation by an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22, the remote control device 64, the mobile phone 82, or the like according to this screen display. Specifically, the cursor 160 displayed on the screen is moved by an input operation using the arrow button 70 or the like of the remote control device 64, and any one of the buttons provided in the remote control device 64 is further moved. By performing an operation such as pressing a button, time information (step value) of the position indicated by the cursor 160 is acquired as position designation information. Further, when the performance start position and performance end position are specified as described above, they are sequentially specified by the same operation (or different operations). In the list display of the lyric character video by the display control means 154, all the lyric character video of the target performance music may be stored on one screen, or as shown in FIG.・ It may be displayed separately. Further, the classification information may be used for the display of the lyrics character image.

  The reading means 156 in FIG. 9 is a customer-specific database 148 provided in the storage device 144 of the server 20 in response to a predetermined input operation by an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22, the remote control device 64, and the cellular phone 82. The information of the customer is read from. In this embodiment, a music selection (music selection that does not require input of a music selection number) operation is performed based on the eighteenth information read by the reading means 156. Specifically, based on the eighteenth information read by the reading means 156, the display control means 154 causes the video display device 30 to be connected to the video display device 30 via the CRT controller 56 and the video mixer 34 as shown in FIG. The direct music selection screen is displayed. That is, based on the customer's eighteenth information read from the customer-specific database 148, one or a plurality of music selection buttons 162 indicating the performance music corresponding to the eighteenth information are displayed on the screen of the video display device 30. For example, one of the plurality of music selection buttons 162 is selected by the arrow button 70 or the like of the remote control device 64 (for example, the button to be selected is displayed with a thick frame), and further provided in the remote control device 64 By performing an operation such as pressing any one of the plurality of buttons, the music selection corresponding to the music selection button 162 is reserved and stored in the reserved music table provided in the RAM 48. The In this way, a music selection reservation can be made without requiring a complicated music selection number input. If position designation information (performance start position designation information and / or performance end position designation information) is attached to the eighteenth information related to the reservation, the position designation information is also stored in the RAM 48.

  The performance control means 158 shown in FIG. 9 outputs the musical composition based on the designated position information registered in association with the performance music information when the performance musical composition read by the readout means 156 is output. I do. That is, when there is performance start position designation information registered in association with information on the target performance song, output of the target performance song is started from the position designated by the performance start position designation information. . If there is performance end position designation information registered in association with information on the target performance song, the target performance song is output up to the position designated by the performance end position designation information. In addition, when there is both performance start position designation information and performance end position designation information registered in association with information on the target performance song, the performance end position designation is performed from the position designated by the performance start position designation information. The target musical piece is output up to the position specified by the information. In this way, it is possible to repeatedly sing only a desired portion without performing a cueing operation or a performance end (intermediate end) operation for each performance of the performance music stored in the customer database 148.

  Even if the position designation information is stored for the performance music registered in the customer-specific database 148, it is possible to sing the performance music from the beginning to the end. Before reservation of performance music or start of performance, the display control means 154 may display a performance form selection screen as shown in FIG. 13 on the video display device 30 via the CRT controller 56 and the video mixer 34. Good. This performance form selection screen is designated by the normal performance reservation button 164 for performing a normal performance reservation for performing the target musical piece from the beginning to the end, and the position designation information based on the registered position designation information. A partial performance reservation button 166 for performing a performance reservation of the portion to be selected is displayed in a selectable manner. For example, among the normal performance reservation button 164 and the partial performance reservation button 166 by the arrow button 70 of the remote control device 64, etc. Any one is selected (for example, the button to be selected is displayed with a thick frame), and further, an operation such as pressing any one of the buttons provided in the remote control device 64 is performed. Then, a music selection reservation corresponding to any one of the normal performance reservation button 164 and the partial performance reservation button 166 is performed, and the music selection reservation contents are reserved in the RAM 48. It is stored in a table or the like. Corresponding to this music selection reservation, the performance control means 158 outputs the target performance music from the beginning to the end with respect to the performance related to the music selection reservation performed by pressing the normal performance reservation button 164. Regarding the performance related to the music selection reservation performed by pressing the partial performance reservation button 166, the output of the portion specified by the position specification information based on the position specification information registered in association with the target performance music is output. Do.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a main part of the performance song registration control (eighteenth registration control) operation by the CPU 44 of the karaoke apparatus 16 and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. Note that the control shown in FIG. 14 describes a mode in which the position is specified when outputting the performance music to be processed as described above with reference to FIG.

  First, in step (hereinafter, step is omitted) SA1, it is determined whether or not the karaoke performance of a predetermined performance music has been started. If the determination at SA1 is negative, the routine is terminated accordingly. If the determination at SA1 is affirmative, the electronic quick reference device 22, remote control device 64, and mobile phone 82 are determined at SA2. It is determined whether or not a predetermined performance start position designation input has been performed by an input device such as. When the determination at SA2 is negative, the processing after SA4 is executed. When the determination at SA2 is affirmative, time information (step value) at the time when the input operation is performed at SA3. ) Is acquired as performance start position designation information, and in SA4, it is determined whether or not a predetermined performance end position designation input has been performed by an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22, remote control device 64, mobile phone 82, or the like. Is done. When the determination at SA4 is negative, the processing after SA6 is executed. When the determination at SA4 is positive, time information (step value) at the time when the input operation is performed at SA5. ) Is acquired as the performance end position designation information, and it is determined in SA6 whether or not the karaoke performance has ended. If the determination of SA6 is negative, the processing after SA2 is executed again. If the determination of SA6 is positive, the target performance is performed in SA7 corresponding to the operation of the registration means 150. After the music selection number, position designation information, and customer number of the music are transmitted to the server 20 via the communication line 18 and registered in the customer database 148 provided in the storage device 144 of the server 20, this routine is executed. Is terminated. In the above control, SA3 and SA5 correspond to the operation of the position specifying means 152.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a main part of the eighteenth music selection / performance control operation by the CPU 44 of the karaoke apparatus 16, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  First, in SB1, it is determined whether or not a predetermined eighteenth music selection operation has been performed by an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22, the remote control device 64, the mobile phone 82, or the like. If the determination at SB1 is negative, the processing below SB6 is executed. If the determination at SB1 is affirmative, the storage of the server 20 is performed at SB2 corresponding to the operation of the reading means 156. The eighteenth information (performance song information and position designation information) corresponding to the customer (customer number) is read from the customer-specific database 148 provided in the device 144. Next, in SB3 corresponding to the operation of the display control means 154, the video display device 30 is sent by the display control means 154 via the CRT controller 56, the video mixer 34, etc. based on the eighteenth information read in SB2. A direct music selection screen as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. Next, in SB4, whether or not a predetermined music selection input based on the screen displayed on the video display device 30 has been performed, that is, any one of the plurality of music selection buttons 162 is selected and input by the remote control device 64 or the like. It is determined whether or not. While the determination of SB4 is denied, the process waits by repeating the determination of SB4. However, if the determination of SB4 is affirmed, the performance song corresponding to the selected music selection button 162 is selected in SB5. The music selection number is stored in the reserved music table of the RAM 48, and the position designation information associated with the performance music is stored in the RAM 48 in association with the music selection reservation. Next, in SB6, it is determined whether or not the performance music to be started is the performance order of the performance music stored in the reserved music table of the RAM 48 in SB5. If the determination at SB6 is negative, the processing after SB1 is executed again. If the determination at SB6 is affirmative, at SB7, the RAM 48 is associated with the target musical piece. It is determined whether or not the designation information is stored. If the determination at SB7 is affirmative, at SB8, the performance music is output (that is, the registered portion is output) based on the designated position information stored in association with the information of the target performance music. After this routine is terminated, if the determination in SB7 is negative, in SB9, after performing the normal performance output control in which the target performance music is output from the beginning to the end, The routine is terminated. In the above control, SB8 and SB9 correspond to the operation of the performance control means 158.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the position designation for designating the position in the middle of the target musical piece according to the input operation by the input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22, the remote control device 64, the cellular phone 82 or the like. Means 152 (SA3 and SA5), a registration means 150 (SA7) for registering the designated position designated by the position designation means 152 in the storage device 144 of the server 20 in association with the information on the performance music to be processed. The reading means 156 (SB2) for reading out the information and designated position of the target musical piece registered by the registration means 150 from the storage device 144, and the output of the target musical piece read by the reading means 156 The performance control means 15 outputs the performance music with the designated position registered in association with the performance music information as the performance start position. (SB8 and SB9), it is possible to register by specifying the performance start position in the performance song that the user sings repeatedly, and each time singing only the desired part, the head is cued one by one Complexity is eliminated. That is, it is possible to provide the karaoke apparatus 16 that can save time and effort in repetitive performance of a performance song.

  In addition, the position designating unit 152 determines the position in the middle of the target musical piece as a performance start position or a performance end in response to an input operation by an input device such as the electronic sample device 22, the remote control device 64, or the mobile phone 82. The performance control means 158 performs the performance from the performance start position registered in association with the performance music information when outputting the performance music subject to be read by the reading means 156. Since the performance music is output up to the end position, it is possible to register by specifying the performance start position and performance end position in the performance music that the user sings repeatedly, and repeats only the desired part. There is an advantage that it is possible to further save the trouble of singing.

  In addition, the registration means 150 registers the performance piece information and the designated position in the storage device 144 of the server 20 in association with the customer's customer information. There is an advantage that designated registration is possible for each user.

  In addition, the position designating unit 152 performs the target performance according to an input operation performed by the input device such as the electronic sample device 22, the remote control device 64, the mobile phone 82, or the like performed when outputting the target performance music piece. Since the position in the middle of the song is designated, there is an advantage that the position in the middle of the target performance song can be designated in a practical manner.

  In addition, the video display device 30 has a display control unit 154 that displays a list of lyrics character images of the target performance song, and the position specifying unit 152 is a target performance song displayed by the display control unit 154. In response to an input operation by an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22, the remote control device 64, and the mobile phone 82, which is performed based on the list display of the lyric character video, a position in the middle of the performance music to be targeted is designated. Therefore, there is an advantage that the position in the middle of the target musical piece can be designated in a practical manner.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the karaoke device 16 and the storage device 144 are provided, and the server 20 capable of communicating information with the karaoke device 16 through the communication line 18 is provided. Therefore, it is possible to register by specifying the performance start position in a performance song that the user sings repeatedly, and the trouble of cuing each time when repeatedly singing only the desired portion is eliminated. . That is, it is possible to provide the karaoke system 10 that can save time and effort in the repetitive performance of the musical composition.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and may be implemented in other modes.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the performance control unit 158 refers to the position designation information registered in association with the performance song information when starting the performance of the target performance song, and outputs based on the designated position information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, cueing based on the specified position information may be performed during the performance of the target musical piece. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a mode in which cueing is performed based on the specified position information during the performance of the target performance piece. In such an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a predetermined input operation (jump operation) is performed by an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22, the remote control device 64, the mobile phone 82 or the like during the output of the target performance piece. Then, the performance is started again from a preset designated position (position mark) regardless of which part of the performance music is being played. In other words, regardless of the playback position at that time, a jump is made to a preset designated position, and playback is started from the designated position. In this way, it is possible to save the user's trouble in repetitive practice of the performance music in the simplest and practical form.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the registration means 150 performs the eighteenth information, that is, the information and position of the target musical piece in accordance with the input operation by the input device such as the electronic sample device 22, the remote control device 64, the mobile phone 82 or the like. Although the designation information and the like are registered in the storage device 144 of the server 20, the storage device to which the eighteenth information is registered is not necessarily the storage device 144 of the server 20 connected via the communication line 18. For example, the eighteenth information is registered (stored) in the hard disk 50 provided in the karaoke device 16a functioning as a master commander in the store 12, the storage unit 118 of the electronic quick sample device 22, or the like. It doesn't matter.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the customer-specific database 148 is provided in the storage device 144 provided in the server 20 functioning as the host device for karaoke information distribution has been described. However, the database server is separate from the host device. Of course, the customer database 148 may be provided in the database server.

  In the above-described embodiment, the display control means 154 displays the screen as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 on the video display device 30 via the CRT controller 56 and the video mixer 34. The registration means 150, the position designation means 152, and the reading means 154 perform eighteenth registration control and eighteenth performance control according to the display on the screen, but via the display control unit 106 of the electronic quick sample device 22. The screen as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 may be displayed on the touch panel display 102, and the control may be performed according to the display on the screen.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a mode has been described in which one section of the performance music is registered by designating the performance start position and the performance end position one by one as the position in the middle of the performance music to be processed. By specifying a plurality of performance start positions and performance end positions, a plurality of sections in the middle of the target performance piece may be registered.

  The CPU 44 is provided with singing evaluation means for evaluating the singing based on the pitch, volume, tempo, etc. of the sound input from the microphone 40 of the karaoke device 16, and the performance music to be processed based on the classification information or the like. Is evaluated for each section, and a section having a low evaluation is displayed on the video display device 30 by the display control means 154 via the CRT controller 56 and the video mixer 34 as the “repetitive practice part candidate”. A mode is also conceivable in which position designation control based on the display is performed in response to an input operation by an input device such as the quick reference device 22, the remote control device 64, and the mobile phone 82.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

It is the schematic explaining the karaoke system which is one Example of this 2nd invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the karaoke device which is one example of the 1st invention. It is a figure which illustrates the operation part of the remote control device as an input device with which the karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2 was equipped. It is a figure which illustrates the operation part of the mobile telephone which functions as an input device of the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the external appearance of the electronic quick sample apparatus as an input device with which the karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2 was equipped. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the electronic quick sample apparatus of FIG. It is a figure explaining the structure of the server with which the karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a figure which illustrates the content of the database classified by customer provided in the memory | storage device of the server of FIG. It is a functional block diagram explaining the principal part of the control function with which CPU of the karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2 was equipped. The screen displayed on the video display device with respect to the position designation by the karaoke apparatus in FIG. 2 is exemplified, and the designation at the time of outputting the target performance music is described. The screen displayed on a video display apparatus regarding the position designation | designated by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2 is illustrated, and the designation | designated based on the list display of the lyric character video of the performance music which becomes object is demonstrated. It is a figure which illustrates the direct music selection screen displayed on a video display apparatus regarding the eighteenth music selection by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the performance form selection screen displayed on a video display apparatus regarding the eighteenth music selection by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the principal part of performance music registration control (18th registration control) operation | movement by CPU of the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the principal part of the eighteenth performance control operation by CPU of the karaoke apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a mode in which a designated position is called during a performance and jumps to a designated position in the karaoke performance by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2.

Explanation of symbols

10: Karaoke system 16: Karaoke device 18: Communication line 20: Server 22: Electronic sample device (input device)
30: Video display device 64: Remote control device (input device)
82: Mobile phone (input device)
144: Storage device 150: Registration means 152: Position designation means 154: Display control means 156: Reading means 158: Performance control means

Claims (6)

A karaoke apparatus for outputting a predetermined performance song selected from a large number of performance songs,
Position designation means for designating a position in the middle of the target musical piece in response to an input operation by a predetermined input device;
Registration means for registering the designated position designated by the position designation means in a predetermined storage device in association with the information of the target performance song;
A reading means for reading out information and a designated position of the target musical piece registered by the registration means from the storage device;
Performance control means for outputting the performance tune with a designated position registered in association with the information of the performance tune as a performance start position when outputting the target performance tune read by the reading means; A karaoke apparatus characterized by that. The position designation means designates a position in the middle of the target musical piece as a performance start position or a performance end position in response to an input operation by a predetermined input device.
The performance control means outputs the performance music from the performance start position to the performance end position registered in association with the performance music information when the performance music read by the reading means is output. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, which is performed.   The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the registration means registers the information on the musical piece and the designated position in the storage device in association with customer information of the user.   4. The position designation means designates a position in the middle of the target performance music in response to an input operation by a predetermined input device performed when outputting the target performance music. Any karaoke device. Display control means for displaying a list of lyrics text images of the performance music to be processed on a video display device;
The position designating means is arranged in the middle of the target performance music in response to an input operation by a predetermined input device performed based on a list display of lyrics character images of the performance music to be displayed by the display control means. The karaoke apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a karaoke device is designated. A karaoke device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A karaoke system comprising: the storage device, and a server capable of communicating information with the karaoke device via a predetermined communication line.

Images